Database Develop

WM6 Programming Question

This is my first post, so to all of you out there, my name is Joe and I have been following this forum since I decided on buying an ATT Tilt (Kaiser) and you all have been a tremendous help in a lot of decisions I made with my phone.
Now onto the question at hand, I have some programming knowledge in the world of computers (C++, VB, etc...) but I was wondering the differences in trying to make a program for my phone. If someone can direct me to maybe a tutorial or another post that might help me, please do (I looked but couldn't find anything), I would like to start giving back to the forum that helped me out.

There isn't much difference between C++ and VB in general, just some prefer the less strict 'grammar' in VB and some prefer the clear 'grammar' in C++. Speed wise, if you were to be using M$'s classes, both ought to be the same, while if you were to write in pure C++ native language, C ought to be better compiled.
Another alternative would be the .Net thing. If I'm right (haven't been really using one), is a class package for both VB and C+ which seemingly make it easier to program.
Depends on what you have (i.e. the programming software), if you were to have Visual Studio 2003+ (or later, no sure), you can download the WM6 SDK, which includes tutorial on how to get started.

Well what I have on hand right now...nothing at all...I'm at work at the moment and in my freetime here would like to work on a few things, I've been analyzing some other pieces of software since I posted this and noticed the use of XML files for the setup.
I have no preference in what language I use (hell one I don't know yet would work for me...knowledge is a blessing in IT). Just wish to be able to take some of the programs I use at the moment (ex HTC Home, BatteryStatus) add a little more functionality for my own personal use since I really don't feel like copyright lawsuits.
Basically Hanmin, I guess it just boils down to what would you suggest to use with the available "tools" at hand or suggestions, I'm up for anything, new to this game, I figured I would get wisdom from the pros here to make myself useful in my downtime

"There isn't much difference between C++ and VB in general," - now there's a statement to launch a major debate! But I'll resist the temptation and move on to a more constructive response - PPL. PPL (Pocket Programming Language) is a great little package which gives you an IDE for developing pocket pc apps in a C like language on either the pocket pc itself or on a pc. Read about it and get a free trial download here:
http://www.arianesoft.ca/

Do Not Use This..

DO NOT USE THIS!!
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-pocket-pc-installation-creator-v2-3.html
I tried to use this app to create a cab file. It has an internal virus that changes the username of your phone to a Chinese variant when the created cab is run. (not sure why?)
Knew nothing about this until my Worldmate and Resco shut down on my TyTynII (they check their codes with username everytime you sync online).
Guess AV for WM is something to look at now!!

A virus? I doubt it...
Don't overreact and waste money on virus program for WM6. The experts may correct if I am wrong but I still can remember only 1 test case of a "sample" virus in windows mobile a few years back.
And changing your phone's user name to the chinese equivalent, considering it is possibly written by someone who is, uh, chinese, doesn't constitute a virus.

packetstorm said:
Don't overreact and waste money on virus program for WM6. The experts may correct if I am wrong but I still can remember only 1 test case of a "sample" virus in windows mobile a few years back.
And changing your phone's user name to the chinese equivalent, considering it is possibly written by someone who is, uh, chinese, doesn't constitute a virus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not suggest to anyone to go out and buy AV software but, I can send you the .cab file if you would like to check for youself??
A virus or Trojan would not have to specifically work with onboard comms apps on the WM unit but so many people (especially in the US) are tethering there devices now giving a 'back door' so to speak..
It would not take much for a small packe on your WM device to drop items into your Outbox and when you sync, hey presto, it goes.
Basic PC AV would not see this.
EDIT: OK, for want of a better term, cal it Malware...Take a look at this, it's a bit long winded but gives you some idea. http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/reference/malicious.threats.to.pdas.html

How to program?

Hi,
I have an easy question...^^
How can I program programs for my phone?
Is there anywhere a tutorial or something like that?
Or are all of you just very high skilled programmer?
I'm very interested in programming, but I only handl Java and php..
I hope someone of you can explain me where I can learn this =)
Greetings
Chris
PS:I hope I posted this in the right section...^^
PPS: I'm from Germany so I'm sorry for any mistake in my sentences and I hope there is also a German programmer who can show me a tutorial on German, but English is also OK.

I asked this question a few months back and no one helped. Here is what I have been able to find on my own:
To program for your Windows Mobile device you need Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Standard edition or later. That is an expensive development program. If you buy that program, you can download a Windows Mobile plugin for free that includes an emulator for debugging.
I personally refuse to shell out tons of cash for the ability to program for my phone for personal use. I have not been able to locate anywhere on the internet even the slightest hint of a way that I can write a program for my phone with open source or free software. I use notepad++ and g++ for my coding needs so I was really hoping for a way to program using only these tools with perhaps an additional library.
Speaking of libraries, open gl es is open gl for embedded devices such as your Raphael. I have been unable to find an open gl es tutorial that does not involve buying Visual Studio.
If anyone can find anything else, please post here.

I've used C# and C\C++ to write programs for Pocket PC\Windows Mobile. Java I believe you can use with limited functionality (not the same as on the web). Php is a web langange I believe??

Are you using C++ via Microsoft Visual Studio, or do you know how to compile mobile programs without dropping money in Microsoft's bank?

@Chunkyeggfoo
I know that php is for the web
I only wanted to show, that im not a totally noob in programming ^^
But my question was: Where do you learned this? Did you have an online tutorial, or from school? Or somewhere else...from a book maybe?

Here is one answer to the question.
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/mobile/WiMoSansVS.aspx
I have never followed this guide because I use Visual Studio 2008. I started programming using visual basic .net (VERY EASY TO LEARN). Later, I wanted to write applications for the today screen and I needed to learn C++ and the win32 API. (NOT FUN!!!) The good news is that I have several programs that I use on my today screen including weather, calendar, battery monitor, task switcher, music player and an alarm. It has taken me about a year to become pretty proficient. NOTE: when you move from managed code (.net framework) to unmannaged code (C++, win32) you have to be VERY careful to properly manage device memory or you will end up with memory leaks.
I've attached a picture of my today screen to illustrate the possibilities.
Have fun
Edit
You can also download evc4 and the evc4.sp4 from the following links.
http://www.download.com/Microsoft-eMbedded-Visual-C-/3000-2212_4-10108490.html
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...F4-91D3-4DBE-986E-A812984318E5&displaylang=en
This will be a very powerful tool but probably very hard to learn too...

Check out this thread. It has lots of info.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=445396

You can take a C++ programming class at most community colleges (not state or UC, ie very expensive). im currently taking the pre req that will allow me to take it next semester.

I think,the simpliest way is the Basic4PPC(Basic for PocketPC). Use Google and search for it.

programming
i guess the best way is learn C#, i'm a visual basic programmer and the best app you can do with it is database app, if you want to do more powerful app for your phone is better to learn C#
i'm learning c# right now

try these two
http://www.smorgasbordet.com/pellesc/
http://trajectorylabs.com/win32.html

[REQ] XML builder for Raph

Hi all
I was wondering how many people here would like to have some sort of way to build an xml which upon completion of a ROM update (which for some us are only day's apart) would change a load of settings to what we want for them
this is just a concept at the moment and i would like to work with someone or the community as a whole to produce a program to do this
the concept i have is as follows:
a simple windows exe Window which has inside it drop down menu's for all of the settings possible (cleartype/text size/regional settings/time zone/notification settings) fields (username for email/password/server addresses/screen name)
and if possible, something to allow us to drag and drop CAB file's into a window which would then also package up the cab's into a folder and spit out/generate the relevant SDCONFIG.txt file
is this at all possible? is there much interest in this?
I can go through and try to find as many of the settings possible and attempt to perhaps find the relevant registry settings even
i would really like to get the ball rolling with this, im sure it could work really well, not only on the raphael, but also on other devices perhaps
please post any interest on this project/concept here and i would really like to do something about this, im about to go and figure out the best way to even code this, however my coding knowledge is about zilch.lol!

.PROVXML files are the ideal place for last minute configuration changes. I'm just starting to explore this avenue and I've found tremendous flexibility in what one can change.
Have a look at the following information ... right from the source
Provisioning Using a ROM Configuration XML File
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb737254.aspx
Configuration Service Provider Reference for Windows Mobile-Based Devices
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms889539.aspx
There's also some excellent thread on XDA ... you'll have to do a bit of searching for them.
HTH,

have you looked at oemizer?

Assume this is the one you mean: http://tiermann.net
... takes the fun out of doing this the "manual way"
Cheers,

I don't use it personally. I came across it when I was learning with my M3100 (Hermes) and it provided a few useful insights at the time when I disected what it had created. I found a few problems and don't use it, but it seems like a similar attempt to what the OP is trying to achieve.

many thanks for the replies
im just looking into the oemizer that was posted and see how that works, however, i get the impression that its for rom cooking

Hi duke_stix,
That's where it's often used ... although, I have come across some posts about utilities that can re-initiate Provision XML files already present on the device or new ones placed on an SD card.
*EDIT* - Some examples
DotFred's Task Manager: http://www.dotfred.net/TaskMgr.htm
HTCustom: http://shadowmite.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=2231&p=7890#p7890
Cheers,

I have not seen anything that does exactly what you suggest, but things to look at that are maybe related include
Sashimi
tier-autoinstall (or something like that)
They run the files but don't create them.

You can always just export the reg values and then import them after you flash...
or use a reg to xml program to add it to SDConfig

I'm working on a new app right now that might have the potential to cover what you're asking for, but the exact features necessary to pull off at least a part of it won't be available in the first release. Keep an eye out on the D&H forum in anywhere from a week to two weeks when I post it up there.

Android Access Database

Here we go:
I use a number of Microsoft Access Databases for my work, and each one is intensely coded and designed and basically run like actual programs. What I am looking for is to be able to take these databases with me. Now understanding that Microsoft and Android are two completely different beasts, what I really am looking for is the ability to take the tables (I use all Back-end database so all my tables are in a completely separate file then all my forms, queries, and reports) and the data with me and be able to run them in a program on Android that keeps the relationships and fields and all of that sort of stuff.
Now what would be great is the ability to use forms (even if special forms for android need to be made), run queries, and even be able to run reports and print as PDFs.
now I know how to code in VBA, hence the extensive coding I have done in Access, so anybody willing to WORK WITH in creating an Android Program to basically be an extension of Microsoft Access please contact me. Please not I use the words WORK WITH loosely, while I am trying to learn how to Program for Android, I currently do not have a computer that I can use to develop programs for android on, and well I would be only able to create the "Hello World" starter program and this project seems a slight bit more complicated. But what I can bring to the table is real world experience in testing and using the program day in and day out, a number of already existing Microsoft Access Databases ranging from Complex to Simple that I use every day. Really a program that can run Microsoft Access Tables on Android would be really useful to me and I am willing to do anything to help make this happen.

kronos82 said:
Here we go:
I use a number of Microsoft Access Databases for my work, and each one is intensely coded and designed and basically run like actual programs. What I am looking for is to be able to take these databases with me. Now understanding that Microsoft and Android are two completely different beasts, what I really am looking for is the ability to take the tables (I use all Back-end database so all my tables are in a completely separate file then all my forms, queries, and reports) and the data with me and be able to run them in a program on Android that keeps the relationships and fields and all of that sort of stuff.
Now what would be great is the ability to use forms (even if special forms for android need to be made), run queries, and even be able to run reports and print as PDFs.
now I know how to code in VBA, hence the extensive coding I have done in Access, so anybody willing to WORK WITH in creating an Android Program to basically be an extension of Microsoft Access please contact me. Please not I use the words WORK WITH loosely, while I am trying to learn how to Program for Android, I currently do not have a computer that I can use to develop programs for android on, and well I would be only able to create the "Hello World" starter program and this project seems a slight bit more complicated. But what I can bring to the table is real world experience in testing and using the program day in and day out, a number of already existing Microsoft Access Databases ranging from Complex to Simple that I use every day. Really a program that can run Microsoft Access Tables on Android would be really useful to me and I am willing to do anything to help make this happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we must have the same job
Android utilizes an sqlite database engine and it looks like sqlite already offers a conversion utility HERE. The real question would be how to get the data in and out of the phone. Regarding forms, they definitely would need to be custom built.

Thanks this is deffenetly a start, From what I can tell this This Looks to be the most promising, It looks like all you would have to do is put a MS Access Database file on your SD CARD and have a program access it. That way you copy it back and forth. Unfortunately it doesn't support Access 2003, but I can save down. I also got a lot of learning to do in programing Java programs.
Forms would be as simply as making a program, this is great thanks much

kronos82 said:
Here we go:
I use a number of Microsoft Access Databases for my work, and each one is intensely coded and designed and basically run like actual programs. What I am looking for is to be able to take these databases with me....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to say, "yes, please!" to this idea. I currently use Smart List to Go (the descendant of ThinkDB) on my Palm TX. The TX is dying, and I've been shopping for a replacement. HanDBase exists for the iPhone, but I don't want an iPhone. So I've been focused on WinMo - not by choice as much as by necessity.
And android option would be very welcome around my computers.

benmyers2941 said:
I think we must have the same job
Android utilizes an sqlite database engine and it looks like sqlite already offers a conversion utility HERE. The real question would be how to get the data in and out of the phone. Regarding forms, they definitely would need to be custom built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
androids sqlite its for applications to access and store data using java code.
try the pocket office app

Freedomcaller said:
androids sqlite its for applications to access and store data using java code.
try the pocket office app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly and we're talking about creating an app that would enable manipulation of an sqlite database. Essentially all that would be needed would be to create a ui framework wrapper for the existing api in android. Not the least monumental task I've heard of an individual taking on but not the most either.
The versions of pocket office that I've seen for android do not currently support Access databases as far as I'm aware. If I'm wrong could you post a link and save everyone some trouble?

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

kronos82 said:
Thanks this is deffenetly a start, From what I can tell this looks to be the most promising, It looks like all you would have to do is put a MS Access Database file on your SD CARD and have a program access it. That way you copy it back and forth. Unfortunately it doesn't support Access 2003, but I can save down. I also got a lot of learning to do in programing Java programs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jackcess library is now patched to support android (will be in 1.2.2 release). Also seems to support 2000, 2003 and 2007 formats now.
Works great for me.

View jackcess site. Couldn't find anything on support for android. I'm using htc desire and would really like to find program to view ms access file. Can you tell me how you do it?

As I remember reading worked as on PC, while writing had some problems.
This forum prevents me from linking directly, but if you click tracker/patches on Jackcess project, check Android Compatibility Fix - ID: 3101578
The changes are in trunk and will be in the 1.2.2 release. I've added some
notes which will eventually make it to the FAQ page on the website
detailing the compatibility steps:
- Set the system property "com.healthmarketscience.jackcess.broken
Nio=true"
- Set the system property "com.healthmarketscience.jackcess.resour
cePath=res/raw/"
- Copy the *.txt, *.mdb, and *.accdb files from the
"com/healthmarketscience/jackcess/" directory in the Jackcess jar to the
"/res/raw" Android application directory.
- Before executing any Jackcess code, set the current Thread's context
classloader, e.g.
"Thread.currentThread().setContextClassLoader(Database.class.getClassLoader())".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until this version (1.2.2) is released you need to build lib yourself.
You also need commons-lang and commons-logging from apache commons.
Before you use Jackcess in Android code, you set
Thread.currentThread().setContextClassLoader(
getClass().getClassLoader());
System.setProperty(
"com.healthmarketscience.jackcess.brokenNio",
"true");
System.setProperty(
"com.healthmarketscience.jackcess.resourcePath",
"res/raw/");
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and copy those resource files to res/raw
Then you can work as on PC, for example open /sdcard/yourprogram/file.mdb
Jackcess has no GUI, it's a library to read/write access files.

Getting an Access file into Android
I keep a lot of information on a Psion Revo, which has just turned its face to the wall and is giving up the ghost, and have always backed the information up on to my pc as an Access file. It looks easier to get this into a format acceptable to Android by converting the Access .mbx file into an Excel .xls file. This can be searched readily by Column and Values. Maybe this deals with too simple a need for most enquirers to the forum, but if it helps somebody then so much the better.

hi all i have beenlooking for something the same for some time now and just the other day i came accross this site cellica.com
the android app is free and the desktop application has a 5 day trial period or its $50 to buy it works great the only thing you can not do is create a report from the phone
i have emailed support team and they said they will be adding it on in the future.

Any Updates???
I currently build and use databases in MS Access and was wondering if there are any updates on this topic now that Tablets are in use now. Looking to get the Motorola Xoom (2nd version) in the future, but would love to be able to use a program that I would be able to access my MS Access databases while "on-the-go".
Anyone? This would be huge (I believe), since we now have tablets.
Thanks a bunch,
~Kilch~

Access to MS Access by Android
Hi,
I'm also looking to get on-the-go access to my Access databases on my Android HTC Tattoo.
The file is on it, I just need a tool to access it in read-only / search mode, but judging from the previous comments, there doesn't seem to be an oversupply in applications.
The "convert to Excel format" may be OK for me. I want to use a 3 language Access DB (dictionary) on my phone, so I'll try the Excel solution.
It would be nice if we had an ACCESS reader though...
John

Panacea Database
I know XDA frowns upon excessively hawking your own products here, but I do seem to be directly answering more than one of the reply questions, it just happens that the answer is an application my company released.
The Panacea Database application can handle Access from Access 2000 to Access 2007. It has also worked so far on every Access 2010 database we've tested, and we've received no complaints in that department yet. We release updates from time to time as we improve its functionality and features, often guided in our priorities by user e-mail and market comments. Our next update will be focused on improving screen layout for a variety of Android devices - from small QVGA smartphones, to large WXGA tablets. After that we may move onto other functionality.
In the interest of fairness, I'll point out arafa1209's post. He mentions Celicca Database, which is the only other application that I know of that deals with Access databases on Android. It has features Panacea does not have (yet) - ability to work with forms, ability to create and modify databases, ability to connect to your PC etc. Like us, they also send out updates improving their app regularly. So you can compare the apps, and use which one fits your needs better (or use both). If anyone knows of any others they can post here as well, but these are the only two I know of currently.

Just tried Panacea. Although it is more basic and annoyingly doesn't remember the last files you'be opened necessitating finding the file each time you open the app I prefer it for the simple reason you don't have to convert the Access database to another format.

amwebby said:
doesn't remember the last files you'be opened necessitating finding the file each time you open the app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you update the app, this should be fixed, the last version should have this feature.

Got the update last week. Certainly goes a long way to making it more user-friendly. Keep up the great work!

Since the last update it seems to be broken. Although it remembers the last database I cannot open a table within any database.
Edit: It appears the file was corrupted. Loaded a new file and all working again.

Any news in this topic.
I tried panacea Database, works fine. But not very effective. Searching data is a must for me however I didnt manage to find a search option. When I search for tables, it cant even locate the tables by names.